MTEL Information

About the MTEL

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) program was initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Education in 1998 as part of a statewide education reform initiative. The MTEL program includes tests of communication and literacy skills as well as tests of subject matter knowledge and pedagogy. The tests are designed to ensure that Massachusetts educators can communicate adequately and that they are knowledgeable in the subject matter of the license sought and in current instructional practice.

Candidates seeking Secondary Licensure in Massachusetts must pass both the Communication and Literacy Skills Test and the Subject Matter Test. Candidates for Elementary Education Licensure must pass three tests: Communication and Literacy Skills, General Curriculum, and Foundations of Reading (see below).

2007-2008 MTEL Test Dates

Students may register online at http://www.mtel.nesinc.com (link will open in new window). Complete registration information as well as test preparation information is available online. A registration fee of $30 is required for each testing date.

• November 17, 2007, Registration deadline: October 5
• March 8, 2008, Registration deadline: January 25
• May 10, 2008, Registration deadline: March 28
• July 19, 2008, Registration deadline: June 6

Additional Test Dates for Communication and Literacy Test Skills Only:

• January 12, 2008, regular registration deadline November 30
• April 12, 2008, regular registration deadline February 29
• June 14, 2008, regular registration deadline May 2
• August 2, 2008, regular registration deadline June 20

Tests

The Communication and Literacy Skills Test consists of two subtests: reading and writing. The reading subtest contains several reading passages that are assessed through multiple-choice items and word meaning (vocabulary) items. The writing subtest contains four sections: written summary, written composition, grammar and usage, and written mechanics. Areas tested include the comprehension and analysis of readings; development of ideas in essay form on specific topics; outlining and summarizing; interpretation of tables and graphs; and mastery of vocabulary, grammar and mechanics. The fee for this test is $70.

The Subject Matter Tests consist of multiple-choice items and open-response items. Each subject matter test assesses proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at a level required of an educator in Massachusetts public schools. The fee for each subject matter test is $100.

The General Curriculum Test assesses educator knowledge of the English, social studies, science and mathematics that elementary teachers are expected to teach. The fee for this test is $100.

The Foundations of Reading Test consists of multiple-choice and open-response items. The test assesses the candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the development of language, reading and writing in primary & elementary-age children and of current instructional practice in literacy. The fee for this test is $100.

MTEL Requirements at Emmanuel College

Graduate MAT students at Emmanuel College are required to pass the Communication and Literacy Skills Test and either the General Curriculum or Subject Matter Test prior to enrolling in their third course. In addition, graduate MAT students seeking elementary education licensure are required to pass the Foundations of Reading Test prior to the student teaching practicum.

Students enrolled in the MEd or CAGS program leading to school principal licensure are required to pass the Communication and Literacy Skills Test prior to enrolling in their third course.

Test Preparation

In order to assist students in preparing for the Communication and Literacy Skills Test, we are offering test preparation sessions free of charge to our students. The sessions, designed to prepare students for the November or March exam, will be offered on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm. The dates for these sessions are as follows:

For the March 8rd exam:
Tuesdays, 6-8 pm, Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4
Thursdays, 6-8 pm, Jan 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6

Students preparing to take the MTEL exam may wish to visit the Colleges of the Fenway test preparation web page available at http://www.colleges-fenway.org (link will open in new window). "MTEL" appears on the left-hand side of this home page and by clicking here you will be able to access the test preparation resources prepared for your use. These include practice exercises, test strategies, practice tests and suggested resources.

Alternative Testing Arrangements

Students with documented disabilities, who would not be able to take the MTEL under standard conditions, may request alternative testing arrangements at the time of registration. Requests must be supported by documentation

Emmanuel College Title II Report Card 2006-2007

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Annual Institution Report
Program Year: 2006-2007